Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, now in his fifth decade in Congress, says he has no plans to step aside despite growing calls for older Democrats to make way for a new generation of leaders.
What’s more, Wyden, who will be 79 in 2028, told The Associated Press he intends to seek another term and that he believes he has the stamina to stand up to President Donald Trump, The Washington Times reported.
“I believe you ought to be held accountable,” Wyden said. “But I think that the Founding Fathers wanted a results-oriented, commonsense approach to government, and that’s what I’m trying to do. And I’ve got the energy.”
The remarks come as Democrats continue to wrestle with lingering frustration over Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection at age 81 before withdrawing in July 2024. Trump went on to defeat then–Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I’ve consistently called for all elected officials over the age of 70 to make this their final term — to step down with dignity and make room for the next generation of leaders,” said Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something.
Wyden joined the House in 1981 and the Senate in 1996. He has held 1,125 town halls over his career, including 23 so far this year. His recent visit to conservative Sherman County drew about 20 people to a former school surrounded by wheat fields and wind turbines.
“Every Oregonian counts, no matter where they live,” Wyden said.
He told the AP that old-fashioned town halls are more important now than ever to chip away at political polarization and mistrust.
“That stands in contrast to congressional Republicans,” Wyden said, noting GOP lawmakers have recently favored smaller, controlled events.
Some 75% of Sherman County voters backed Trump last November, and Wyden hasn’t carried the county since 2004. Yet the meeting was civil, with attendees waiting their turn to ask questions.
Charlie Hogue, 71, pressed Wyden on what Democrats are doing to counter Trump.
“I thought we had checks and balances in this country, and I’m beginning to lose hope because the current administration ignores court orders,” Hogue said. “So are the Democrats planning to just message for the next elections … or do you have a plan?”
Wyden pointed to a recent trip to Canada to discuss trade with the prime minister and talks with Oregon wheat farmers about tariffs.
Another attendee, T.L. Fassbender, 76, questioned why Democrats seem to support immigrants in the country illegally. Wyden said the system is “broken” and that he opposes protecting those who commit crimes.
“My parents were fleeing Nazi Germany when they came to the United States,” Wyden said. “I believe that legal immigration makes our country better and stronger.”
Wyden has also been a prominent Democratic voice calling for more information on the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case — an issue that has become a political problem for Trump as his supporters complain about unfulfilled promises to release records.
“We spent three years following the money,” Wyden said. “And we’re going to stay at it until the facts come out.”
He urged Democrats to hold more events in conservative areas.
“The old saying is, ‘most of life is just showing up,’” Wyden said. “But it’s especially important in government because there is a sense that this is rigged.”
